Crofelemer

What condition does Crofelemer treat?

Crofelemer is used to relieve diarrhea in HIV/AIDS patients. This is usually recommended for those who are taking medications to treat HIV. This medicine can lessen the total of watery stools you have. It may also help you better tolerate your HIV medications.

This is in the form of delayed-release tablets. It is an enteric-coated drug product for oral use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication.

How does Crofelemer work?

Crofelemer is a type of drug called an inhibitor of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator chloride channel (CFTR). It is as evidenced by its activity on cell cultures, single CFTR channels, and single-cell patch clamps. It also includes the elaboration of mouse intestinal fluid secretion.

This medicine also prevents calcium-activated chloride channels in combination with CFTR. Those are communicated on the luminal side of intestinal cells. The inhibition of both of these channels stops water loss from diarrhea by preventing chloride secretion. It stops minerals and water from entering the intestines. As a result, it causes the stools to be more solid.

What is the recommended dosage for Crofelemer?

The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition and response. It is important to take it exactly as it is prescribed.

It is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It is usually taken twice a day. Do not chew or crush the tablet. It should be swallowed as a whole. Remember to take it at the same time every day.

What are the side effects of Crofelemer?

  • Anxiety
  • Bloating
  • Muscle pain
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Nausea
  • Gas
  • Cough
  • Bronchitis
  • Upper respiratory tract infections

If these side effects continue or get worse, call your doctor right away.

What are the precautions in taking Crofelemer?

  • Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. Tell also if you have any medical history or current medications.
  • Your doctor must check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.
  • Inform your doctor if you are sick with diarrhea and vomiting or other symptoms of infection.
  • It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
  • Women with HIV must not breastfeed. Even though your baby is born without HIV, the virus might be passed to the baby in your breast milk.
  • This prescription is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
  • Do not share this with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
  • Certain medications must not be taken at or around the period of eating food or eating particular types of food since interactions might occur. Using tobacco or alcohol with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with alcohol, food, or tobacco.
  •  Keep this at a dry and clean place away from moisture and heat.